Game machine

ABSTRACT

A game machine includes a plurality of displays, each of displays displaying at least one reel bearing series of symbols. The displays are arranged along a closed circuit so that display faces are opposed to a plurality of players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a game machine, such as a slot machineand, more particularly, to a game machine which enables a plurality ofplayers to play games together and affords an incentive for playing agame.

[0002] Currently, a slot-type game machine 100 shown in FIG. 13 is aknown game machine in which one player plays a game. In order to effectgaming, the game machine uses a game value, (e.g., tokens, papercurrency, coins, or some form of credit medium, such as a credit card).When playing a game, a player inserts, e.g., a token into a token insertslot 101. In accordance with the number of inserted tokens, the playerplays games. The related slot machine-type game machine 100 has areservoir for inserted tokens. More specifically, when tokens areinserted via the token insert slot 101, the number of inserted tokensare counted one by one by a predetermined sensor. The count (credit) isthen stored in a predetermined storage of the game machine. Thethus-counted value is displayed on a display (not shown) which is to beprovided at a predetermined location on the game machine and consists ofa seven-segment LED display. The player actuates credit bet buttons 102a, 102 b, and 102 c, which will be described later, so as to bet apredetermined number of tokens on one or more desired winning lines,thereby rendering the winning line(s) effective and playing a game.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 13, the related game machine 100 of slot machinetype has horizontally-oriented winning lines p1, p2, and p3; alower-right-declining winning line p4; and a lower-left-decliningwinning line p5. As mentioned below, selection of the winning lines p1,p2, p3, p4, and p5 is performed in accordance with operation of thecredit bet buttons 102 a, 102 b, and 102 c, and the thus-selectedwinning lines are made effective.

[0004] When the credit bet button 102 a is pressed once, the winningline p1 is selected and rendered effective. Every time the credit betbutton 102 a is pressed once, one credit (i.e., one token) is consumed,whereupon the number of credits bet on the winning line p1 isincremented by one credit (one token).

[0005] When the credit bet button 102 b is pressed once, the winninglines p1, p2, and p3 are selected and rendered effective. Every time thecredit bet button 102 b is used once, three credits (i.e., three tokens)are consumed, whereupon the number of credits bet on the respectivewinning lines p1, p2, and p3 is incremented by one credit (i.e., onetoken).

[0006] When the credit bet button 102 c is pressed once, the winninglines p1, p2, p3, p4, and p5; that is, all the winning lines, areselected and rendered effective. Every time the credit bet button 102 cis pressed once, five credits (i.e., five tokens) are consumed,whereupon the number of credits bet on all the winning lines isincremented by one credit (one token).

[0007] If the player operates the credit bet button 102 a, the playercan bet a predetermined number of credits while taking an aim at onlythe winning line p1. Further, if the player operates the credit betbutton 102 b, the player can bet a predetermined number of credits whiletaking an aim at only the horizontally-oriented winning lines p1, p2,and p3. If the player operates the credit bet button 102 c, the playercan bet a desired number of credits on all winning lines.

[0008] More specifically, the player can strategically determine one ormore winning lines to be made effective and the number of credits to bebet on the winning line(s), in accordance with the degree of theplayer's perceived luck at that time.

[0009] In the related slot machine type game machine 100, reels 111through 113 start spinning as a result of depressing of a start lever103. A predetermined number of symbols 121 e . . . , 122 e . . . , 123 e. . . are drawn on an outer peripheral face of each of the reels 111through 113.

[0010] After the start lever 103 has been actuated, the reels 111through 113 continue spinning for a while. Subsequently, spinning of allthe reels is automatically stopped.

[0011] If the symbols 121 e . . . , 123 e . . . drawn on the reels 111through 113 are aligned with the winning line that has been selected andmade effective by the player, so as to constitute a predeterminedwinning combination when all the reels 111 through 113 are stopped, thenumber of tokens corresponding to the winning combination are paid outto a token receiver 105 via a token payout hole 104.

[0012] Here, the predetermined winning combination is a meaning ofidentical symbols of the symbols drawn on all the reels 111 through 113being aligned with the winning line. Specifically, symbols 7 or BELL arealigned with a winning line in such a manner as 7-7-7 or BELL-BELL-BELL.

[0013] The related slot machine type game machine 100 shown in FIG. 13that has been described thus far is constructed on the assumption that asingle player plays games on the machine, in consideration of thevisibility, number, and dimensions of the respective reels 111 through113.

[0014] As mentioned above, the related slot machine type game machine100 is designed on the assumption that a single player plays games onthe machine, and is not designed so that a plurality of players can playgames on a single machine at the same time.

[0015] Even if a plurality of game machines 100 are disposed and aplurality of players play games, the game machines 100 are spaced asubstantial interval apart from each other. Therefore, a playerencounters difficulty in viewing symbols 121 e . . . , 122 e . . . , and123 e . . . drawn on the outer peripheral faces of the reels 111 through113 of another machine. Moreover, players cannot play games as membersof teams. Hence, the related slot machine type game machine produces aproblem of a deficiency of entertainment or a failure to afford anincentive for playing games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide agame machine, which enables a plurality of players to play games inconjunction with each other and afford an incentive for playing games.

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, according to the presentinvention, there is provided a game machine comprising:

[0018] a plurality of displays, each displaying at least one reelbearing series of symbols, and

[0019] wherein the displays are arranged along a closed circuit so thatdisplay faces are opposed to a plurality of players.

[0020] Preferably, the game machine further comprises a number of seriessymbol combination selector, which changes a number of reels on the gamemachine in accordance with a player's operation.

[0021] In the above configurations, a plurality of players can viewsymbols on display faces of a plurality of displays simultaneously, andhence the players can play games in conjunction with each other. Thus,entertainment is afforded to all the players, along with an incentivefor playing games.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is also provided a gamemachine comprising;

[0023] a first display, which displays at least one reel bearing seriesof symbols; and

[0024] a second display, which displays at least one reel bearing seriesof symbols, and

[0025] wherein the first display is also provided as a shared displayfor using together with the second display.

[0026] In the above configuration, an interval between a player andanother player can be shortened by an amount corresponding to the widthof shared display. Hence, a larger number of players are arranged alongthe game machine, thus increasing the number of players.

[0027] Preferably, the reel in the shared display bears series samesymbols, and a winning line extends along the reel in the shareddisplay.

[0028] Preferably, a winning line extends through from the reel in thefirst display as the shared display to the reel in the second display.

[0029] Preferably, the first display and the second display are arrangedalong a closed circuit so that the display faces of the first displayand the second display are opposed to a plurality of players.

[0030] In the above configurations, a joy can be shared among adjacentplayers when a win appearing along a shared winning line has beendetermined.

[0031] Preferably, both a first winning line for the first display and asecond winning line for the second display extend through a symbol onthe shared display.

[0032] In the above configuration, a player views a winning line whichhas been made effective by an adjacent player and has a contrivance ofmaking the winning line effective in consideration of shared symbolscorresponding to the winning line. Hence, the players can enjoy playinggames according to a strategy.

[0033] According to the present invention, there is also provided a gamemachine comprising;

[0034] a plurality of display, each displaying at least one reel bearingseries of symbols, and

[0035] wherein the winning line extends through at least two of theplurality of displays.

[0036] In the above configuration, symbol combinations can becomplicated and further improved in the entertainment nature of a game.

[0037] Preferably, at least two displays are provided in the gamemachine in a vertical direction.

[0038] Preferably, at least two set of displays same as a set of thefirst display and the second display are provided in the game machine ina vertical direction.

[0039] Preferably, the series of symbols in the displays move in obliquedirection.

[0040] Preferably, the series of symbols in the first and the seconddisplays move in oblique direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The above objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in detail preferred exemplaryembodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

[0042]FIG. 1 is an external view of a game machine according to theinvention;

[0043]FIG. 2 is a top view of respective reels of the game machine ofthe invention;

[0044]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each ofstation units and that of a center unit;

[0045]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing procedures pertaining to processingto be executed by the game machine of the invention;

[0046]FIG. 5 is a view for describing winning lines;

[0047]FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for describing a case where a win isachieved by a combination of symbols along a vertical winning line;

[0048]FIG. 7 is a view showing shared symbols according to a secondembodiment;

[0049]FIGS. 8A and 8B is a view showing winning lines shared without useof shared reels according to a third embodiment;

[0050]FIG. 9 is a view showing another example configuration of theinvention;

[0051]FIG. 10 is a view showing still another example configuration ofthe invention;

[0052]FIG. 11 is a view showing yet another example configuration of theinvention;

[0053]FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of the invention; and

[0054]FIG. 13 is a view showing a related slot-machine-type gamemachine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Embodiments of a game machine according to the invention will bedescribed hereinbelow by reference to the drawings.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1 which is an overview, a game machine 10according to the invention enables a plurality of players to play games.FIG. 2 is a top view of reels 1 a through 1 x of the game machine 10.FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of station units 11a through 11 l and a center unit 12 of the game machine 10.

[0057] In a first embodiment, the number of stations 34 a through 34 lof the game machine 10 is set to 12, merely as an example. However, thenumber of stations is not limited to 12, and any number of stations maybe employed, so long as at least two stations are employed.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the game machine 10 includes a reel spinningsection 33, the 12 stations 34 a through 34 l, and an overhead section37.

[0059] Individual sections of the game machine 10 will be described indetail.

[0060] The reel spinning section 33 has reels 1 a through 1 x; lamps 5,and a protective glass 36.

[0061] Each of the reels 1 a through 1 x has a substantially-circularcross-sectional profile and spins around a horizontal shaft while thecircular center of the cross-sectional profile is taken as a center. Aplurality of types of symbols 4 are drawn on an outer peripheral face 2of each of the reels 1 a through 1 x. The reels 1 a through 1 x spin inthe direction in which the symbols 4 move downward. In other words, asspinning, each of the reels 1 a through 1 x moves the symbols 4vertically within a display window 3, thereby variably displaying thesymbols 4.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, 24 reels; that is, the reels 1 a through 1 x,are arranged in a circular pattern such that the outer peripheral faces2 of the reels oppose 12 players. Here, the reels 1 a through 1 x arearranged such that three reels are assigned each of the stations 34 athrough 34 l.

[0063] In response to a lamp illumination signal output from the centerunit 12 shown in FIG. 3, lamps 5 are illuminated at the beginning of agame, at the time of a gaming being played, and at the end of the game.

[0064] The protective glass 36 covers a circumferential exterior of thereel spinning section 33, thereby protecting the reels 1 a through 1 x.

[0065] In this embodiment, 24 reels; that is, the reels 1 a through 1 x,are employed. However, the number of reels is not limited to 24, and anynumber of reels may be employed, so long as three or more reels areemployed.

[0066] In this embodiment, three reels are assigned to each of thestations 34 a through 34 l. However, the number of reels assigned toeach station is not limited to three, and a required number of reels maybe disposed. Any number of reels may be provided for each station, solong as one player can view all the reels provided for his station.

[0067] A plurality of speakers 32 are provided on the overhead section37. The speakers 32 output sound via a sound circuit 31 in accordancewith a sound signal output from the center unit 12 at the beginning of agame, at the time of a gaming being played, and at the end of the game.

[0068] The stations 34 a through 34 l are provided with station units 11a through 11 l (shown in FIG. 3), and each of the stations 34 a through34 l has a token insert slot 9, a monitor 6; button switches 7 a, 7 b, atoken payout port 8, and a speaker 15.

[0069] The token insert slot 9 receives tokens inserted by the player.

[0070] Displayed on the monitor 6 are information about the number ofinserted tokens; information about the symbols 4 to be displayed in thedisplay window 3 during the course of spinning action of each of thereels 1 a through 1 x; information for informing players of prohibitionof betting action, and image information performing presentation ofgames.

[0071] In accordance with pressing action of the player, the buttonswitches 7 a, 7 b output a pressing signal to an input circuit.

[0072] When a win has been determined, tokens for payoff are paid viathe token payout port 8.

[0073] In response to a sound signal output from each of the stationunits 11 a through 11 l, the speaker 15 outputs sound at the beginningof a game, at the time of a game being played, and at the end of a game.

[0074] Next, the configurations of the respective station units 11 athrough 11 l and that of the center unit 12 will now be described byreference to FIG. 3.

[0075] The station units 11 a through 11 l and the center unit 12 areconnected together via a data bus 16 having a width of 16 bits or 32bits.

[0076] Each of the station units 11 a through 11 is constituted of animage circuit 13, a token sensor 9 a, an input circuit 14, and a soundcircuit 38.

[0077] Position detection information about the reels 1 a throughinformation about the symbols 4 appearing when the reels 1 a through 1 xare stopped, and image information which provides presentation of gamesare input to the image circuit 13 from the center unit 12 via the databus 16. The image circuit 13 produces an image signal on the basis ofthese information items, and symbol images of the reels 1 a through 1 xare output to the monitor 6.

[0078] The token sensor 9 a detects the number of inserted tokens whentokens are inserted and outputs an inserted token count detectionsignal.

[0079] Input to the input circuit 14 are a press signal output fromeither of the button switches 7 a, 7 b and an inserted token countdetection signal output from the token sensor 9 a. The press signal isoutput to a CPU 25 via the data bus 16, and the inserted token countdetection signal is output to RAM 21 via the data bus 16.

[0080] The sound circuit 38 outputs sound data to the speaker 15 afterhaving converted the data into a sound signal.

[0081] The center unit 12 includes a sensor 17, a CD-ROM (compact diskread-only memory) drive 29, a hard disk driver 28, RAM (random accessmemory) 21, a switch 35, an input circuit 19, an output circuit 20, reeldrive motors 18, a sound circuit 31, ROM (read-only memory) 22, a timer30, a random number generator 26, an image circuit 23, a maintenancemonitor 24, an advanced technology attachment packet interface circuit(hereinafter simply called an “interface circuit”) 27, and a CPU(central processing unit) 25.

[0082] The sensor 17 detects information about positions of the reels 1a through 1 x when they are spinning and information about positions ofthe reels 1 a through 1 x when they are stationary.

[0083] The CD-ROM drive 29 sets image data to be used for performingpresentation of a game.

[0084] The hard disk drive 28 sets information about results of gamesplayed at the respective stations 34 a through 34 l.

[0085] The RAM 21 sets information about the number of inserted tokensin response to the inserted token count detection signal and informationabout the symbols 4 appearing when the reels 1 a through 1 x have cometo a standstill, as well as setting information about the combination ofreels and information about winning lines in response to a press signal.

[0086] The switch 35 outputs an operation signal to the input circuit 19in accordance with operations of an employee.

[0087] The input circuit 19 outputs the information detected by thesensor 17 and the operation signal output from a switch 35 to the CPU25.

[0088] The output circuit 20 outputs a drive signal and a stop controlsignal to reel drive motors 18 and outputs a lamp illumination signal tothe lamps 5.

[0089] The reel drive motors 18 spin the reels 1 a through 1 x inaccordance with drive signals and perform control operation for stoppingthe reels 1 a through 1 x in accordance with stop control signals.

[0090] The sound circuit 31 outputs sound data to the speakers 32 afterhaving converted the data into sound signals.

[0091] The ROM (read-only memory) 22 has a setting table in which areset combinations of symbols 4 to be used for determining wins.

[0092] The timer 30 measures a lapsed time and outputs apredetermined-period-of-time detection signal to the CPU 25 when alapsed time has exceeded a predetermined period of time (i.e., a bettime).

[0093] The random number generator 26 randomly selects stop positionsfor the respective reels 1 a through 1 x by random numbers anddetermines the thus-selected positions. The random number generator 26then outputs, to the CPU 25 as stop position information, the stoppositions for the respective reels 1 a through 1 x determined throughrandom selection.

[0094] The image circuit 23 converts the data, which are read by the CPU25 and set in the hard disk drive 28 and the RAM 21, into an imagesignal and outputs the signal to the maintenance monitor 24.

[0095] In response to the image signal, the maintenance monitor 24displays the information set in the hard disk drive 28 or the RAM 21.

[0096] The advanced technology attachment packet interface circuit(hereinafter simply called an “interface circuit”) 27 enables entry ofimage data set on CD-ROM loaded in the CD-ROM drive 29 and entry of gameresult information set in the hard disk drive 28.

[0097] Here, the CPU 26 performs processing pertaining to the followingitems (1) through (8).

[0098] (1) Position detection information about the reels 1 a through 1x, information about the symbols 4 appearing when the reels 1 a through1 x are stopped, and image information to be used for providingpresentation of a game are output to the image circuit 13 via the databus 16, and information about the symbols 4 appearing when the reels 1 athrough 1 x are stopped, is set in the RAM 21.

[0099] (2) Sound data are output to the sound circuits 31, 38.

[0100] (3) A predetermined-period-of-time signal output from the timer30 is input.

[0101] (4) A drive signal or a stop control signal is output to theoutput circuit 20 in accordance with the stop position informationoutput from the random number generator 26.

[0102] (5) A lamp illumination signal is output to the lamps 5.

[0103] (6) In response to an operation signal output from the switch 35,the information set in the hard disk drive 28 or the RAM 21 is read viathe interface circuit 27, and the thus-read information is output to theimage circuit 23.

[0104] (7) Information about a combination of reels and informationabout a winning line are read from the RAM 21.

[0105] (8) The symbol information set in the RAM 21 is compared with thecombination of symbols 4 which determines a win set in the ROM 22, and adetermination is made as to whether or not the combination of symbols 4to be displayed on the reels corresponding to the combination of reelsset in the RAM 21 has constituted a winning combination along thewinning line.

[0106] The operation of the game machine 10 will now be described byreference to FIGS. 1 through 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing proceduresof processing to be executed by the game machine 10.

[0107] First, when power of the game machine 10 is turned on, a system,such as the ROM 22, the RAM 21, and the hard disk drive 28, all beingprovided in the center unit 12, is inspected.

[0108] Subsequently, the CPU 25 outputs a drive signal to the reel drivemotor 18, thereby starting spinning of the reels 1 a through 1 x. As aresult, there is started an operation for displaying the symbols 4 suchthat the symbols 4 are moved vertically downward within the displaywindow 3.

[0109] Simultaneously, the timer 30 starts measuring a lapsed time.Here, a player P of the station 34 a can insert tokens into the tokeninsert slot 9 until the lapsed time reaches a predetermined period oftime. Further, the player can select and make effective a desiredwinning line by actuating the button switches 7 a, 7 b and bet a desirednumber of credits on the thus-selected winning line.

[0110] During the course of spinning of the reels 1 a through 1 x, thesensor 17 sequentially outputs the detected position detectioninformation about the reels 1 a through 1 x to the monitor 6, via thedata bus 16 and by the CPU 25. Information about the symbols 4 appearingin the display window 3 during the spinning action of the reels 1 athrough 1 x is displayed on the monitor 6 (step 1).

[0111] In step 2, a determination is made as to whether or not a lapsedtime has exceeded a predetermined period of bet time.

[0112] When the lapsed time has exceeded a predetermined period of time(when YES is selected in step 2), the timer 30 outputs apredetermined-period-of-time detection signal to the CPU 25, wherebyinformation for informing the player of prohibition of betting action isdisplayed on the monitor 6. Processing then proceeds to step 3. Incontrast, if the lapsed time has not yet exceeded the predeterminedperiod of time (when NO is selected in step 2), processing again returnsto step 1.

[0113] Stop positions for the reels 1 a through 1 x determined by therandom number generator 26 are input to the CPU 25 as stop positioninformation. The CPU 25 outputs a stop control signal to the reel drivemotor 18, thereby stopping the spinning operations of the reels 1 athrough 1 x and stopping moving display of the symbols 4. Then, thesensor 17 outputs information about the stop positions for the reels 1 athrough 1 x to the CPU 25 via the input circuit 19 (step 3).

[0114] In step 4, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the spinningoperations of the reels 1 a through 1 x have been completed, on thebasis of the stop position detection information about the reels 1 athrough 1 x. When the reels 1 a through 1 x are determined to havefinished spinning (when YES is selected in step 4), information aboutthe symbols 4 appearing when the reels 1 a through 1 x have come to astandstill is set in the RAM 21 by the CPU 25. The CPU 25 outputs theinformation to the monitor 6 via the data bus 16, and processingproceeds to step 5. In contrast, when the reels 1 a through 1 x aredetermined to have not yet finished spinning (when NO is selected instep 4), processing again proceeds to step 3.

[0115] In step 5, the CPU 25 reads a combination of reels 1 a through 1x from the RAM 21, and the symbol information set in the RAM 21 iscompared with a combination of symbols to be used for determining a win,the combination being set in the ROM 22. As a result, a determination ismade as to whether or not a combination of symbols 4 to be displayed onthe reels 1 a through 1 x has constituted a winning combination along awinning line 51. When the combination of symbols 4 is determined to haveconstituted a winning combination along the winning line 51, tokens forpayoff are paid from the token payout port 8 of the station 34 a inaccordance with the number of bet tokens.

[0116] In step 6, the CPU 25 determines whether or not payout of thetokens has been completed. When payout of the tokens is determined tohave been completed (when YES is selected in step 6), processingproceeds to step 7. However, when payout of the tokens is determined tohave not yet been completed (when NO is selected in step 6), processingagain returns to step 5.

[0117] In step 7, the CPU 25 determines whether or not any station hasgenerated a bonus game, thereby determining whether to perform a bonusgame. If a bonus game is determined to be performed (when YES isselected in step 7), processing proceeds to step 8. However, if thebonus game is determined not to be performed (when NO is selected instep 7), processing proceeds to step 9.

[0118] In step 8, a bonus game is executed as a result of the CPU 25performing processing similar to those pertaining to steps 1, 3, 4, and5. Predetermined tokens for payoff are paid out from the token payoutport 8 of the station of the player P for which a win has beendetermined.

[0119] In accordance with a press signal output as a result of theplayer P having pressed the button switch 7 a, the CPU 25 determineswhether or not the player P continues playing games (step 9). If theplayer P is determined to continue playing games (when YES is selectedin step 9), processing again returns to step 1. In contrast, when theplayer P is determined not to continue playing games (when NO isselected in step 9), processing to be executed by the game machine 10 isterminated.

[0120] As mentioned above, according to the first embodiment, the gamemachine includes the plurality of reels 1 a through 1 x, and the outerperipheral faces 2 are oriented so as to oppose a plurality of players P. . . Further, the reels 1 a through 1 x are arranged along a curve or astraight line. Hence, the plurality of players P can simultaneously viewthe symbols 4 provided on the outer peripheral faces 2 of the respectivereels 1 a through 1 x. Hence, the players can play games in conjunctionwith each other. As a result, entertainment is afforded to all theplayers, thereby giving the players an incentive for playing games.

[0121] When tokens are inserted, the token sensor 9 a detects the numberof inserted tokens. An inserted token count detection signal is outputto the monitor 6 via the input circuit 14 and the image circuit 13.Further, the signal is output to the RAM 21 and the ROM 22 via the databus 16.

[0122] As a result, information about the number of inserted tokens isdisplayed on the monitor 6 and set in the RAM 21, and information aboutthe winning line 51 is read from the ROM 22.

[0123] By reference to FIG. 5, an example of winning line will bedescribed. FIG. 5 describes an example in which each of the stations 34a through 34 l employs three reels, and in which a maximum of eightwinning lines can be made effective. In FIG. 5, an explanation is givenon the winning line to be afforded to a player of the station 34 a.Explanations of winning lines to be afforded to other stations 34 b to34 l are omitted.

[0124] The station 34 a sets eight winning lines 51 through 58. Thebutton switches 7 a, 7 b correspond to the winning lines 51 through 58.A desired winning line is selected and made effective by actuating thebutton switches 7 a, 7 b, and a desired number of credits can be bet onthe thus-selected winning line.

[0125] By reference to FIG. 6, a configuration for establishing winninglines 56 through 58 in the vertical direction will now be describedsupplementally.

[0126] For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6A shows theannularly-formed reels 1 a through 1 x which are developed in the formof a plane. In order to establish a combination of symbols 4 along anyone of the winning lines 56 through 58 provided in the verticaldirection, a plurality of identical symbols 4 a through 4 c arecontinuously drawn on the outer peripheral faces 2 a of the respectivereels 1 a through 1 x, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0127]FIG. 6B shows modes of stoppage of the reels 1 a through 1 x onwhich are drawn the symbols 4 a through 4 c shown in FIG. 6A. Morespecifically, there is shown a combination of symbols 4 which are viewedby the player via the display window 3 when the reels have come to astandstill. FIG. 6B shows six stopped states 6A through 6F of the reels1 a through 1 c when viewed from left to right. As sight is shifted from6A to 6F, a left reel is stopped while symbols are advanced from thoseof an adjacent right reel by one.

[0128] When the reels 1 a through 1 x are stopped along a stop position6D shown in FIG. 6B as a result of random sampling of the random numbergenerator 26, the symbols 4 a through 4 c are displayed within thedisplay window 3, thereby constituting a win by the combination ofsymbols 4 a through 4 c along the vertical winning lines 56 through 58.

[0129] The foregoing descriptions are described an example in whichcombinations of three reels are employed. The number of reels to becombined together may be changed by pressing of the button switch 7 a.

[0130] For instance, in the case of description of the station 34 ashown in FIG. 5, the number of reels to be combined together is set tothree as an initial setting. More specifically, if the player P performsno operation, a combination of reels 1 a, 1 b, 1 c is determined.

[0131] When the button switch 7 a is pressed during a period of bettime, the number of reel combinations is increased. Specifically, whenthe button switch 7 a is pressed once, the reel 1 d situated adjacent tothe reel 1 c and the reel 1 x situated adjacent to the reel 1 a areadded. The player P of the station 34 a can play games by a combinationof five reels; that is, the reels 1 x through 1 d, during the course ofgames. When the button switch 7 a is pressed again, the reels 1 e and 1y are added to the combination of reels. Then, the player can play gameswith use of combinations of seven reels; that is, the reels 1 y through1 e. Any number may be selected for combinations of reels, as required,so long as the reels fall within a view R of one player P.

[0132] In this example, when the button switch 7 a is pressed threetimes, processing returns to an initial setting. Specifically, thenumber of reel combinations can be changed in a cyclical manner fromthree to five, from five to seven, and from seven to three when thebutton switch 7 a is pressed successively.

[0133] In accordance with a change in the number of combinations ofreels, the length of winning lines in the horizontal direction can alsobe changed. At that time, in accordance with a change in the number ofreel combinations, positions where the winning lines are set and thenumber of winning lines may also be changed.

[0134] The number of bet tokens to be consumed may be increased with anincrease in the number of reel combinations. At that time, the number ofwinning lines to be set is increased, thereby increasing the number ofwinning lines which can be made effective. As a result, there is addedan entertainment feature of strategically selecting the number of reelcombinations on the basis of the player's perception of occasionallyhaving good luck. Consequently, this can give the player P an incentivefor increasing the number of tokens to be consumed.

[0135] The press signal is output to the RAM 21 via the input circuit 14and the data bus 16 in response to the pressing actions of the buttonswitches 7 a, 7 b. As a result, information about combinations of reelsis set in the RAM 21.

[0136] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, as mentioned above, thereels are constructed so as to become shared among the player P of thestation 34 a, a player P of the adjacent station 34 b, and a player P ofanother adjacent station 34 l. In the initial setting, the reels 1 a and1 c are shared reels. As mentioned previously, as a result of pressingof the button switch 7 a, the reels 1 d and 1 x and the reels 1 e and 1yare added as shared reels.

[0137] As mentioned above, according to the invention, a plurality ofreels “a” through “x” are provided. Further, display faces of the reelsare oriented so as to oppose a plurality of players. The reels are alsoarranged along a curve or a straight line. As a result, a reel can beshared among the station 34 a and the adjacent station 34 b or theadjacent station 34 l. Accordingly, shared winning lines can be setbetween the station 34 a and the adjacent station 34 b or 34 l. Inshort, the winning lines 56 and 58 shown in FIG. 5 are the shared lines.

[0138] Consequently, when the player P of the station 34 a is bettingcredits on the winning line 56, the player P of the adjacent station 34b can also bet credits on the winning line 56 simultaneously. If thesymbols 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c are aligned with the shared winning line 56,both players definitely gain a win.

[0139] Consequently, tokens for payoff are paid out from the tokenpayout port 8 of the station 34 a and that of the station 34 b. As aresult, the adjacent players can share the pleasure of a win.

[0140] The player P of the station 34 a bets credits on the sharedwinning line 56. As a matter of course, the player P of the station 34 bmay wait for the next chance of betting credits.

[0141] At that time, the player P of the station 34 b who has not betany credits on the shared winning line 56 feels interested in a resultof a win afforded to the winning line 56 shared between the player P ofthe adjacent station 34 a and that of the station 34 b. For instance,when a win has arisen in the winning line 56, the player P of thestation 34 b who has not bet credits on the shared winning line feelsregret. Therefore, the player P feels that he has lost a chance. Hence,in order to avoid a regrettable feeling of having lost another chance,the player is motivated to bet credits on as many winning lines aspossible; or all winning lines, if possible. Consequently, profits ofthe game machine are increased.

[0142] By arranging shared reels at positions between adjacent stations,there is achieved another effect for shortening spaces between thestations by amounts corresponding to the shared reels. In view oflimitations on the space of an amusement arcade, the size of the gamemachine cannot be made large indiscriminately. In this respect, sharedreels are arranged effectively, thereby enabling an increase in thenumber of stations. Thus, profits of the game machine are increased.

[0143]FIG. 7 shows second embodiment of setting of the winning lines. Inthis embodiment, at least one symbol is shared between the winning lineof a player and that of another, adjacent player.

[0144] For instance, as shown in FIG. 7, the player P of the station 34a makes a winning line 90 effective, and the player P of the station 34b makes the winning line 89 effective.

[0145] Since an overlap exists between the winning lines 89 and 90 onthe reel 1 c, the symbol 4 x becomes a shared symbol.

[0146] When the moving display of the symbols 4 is stopped, the symbols4 provided on the outer peripheral faces 2 of the respective reels 1 cthrough 1 e are aligned with the winning line 89, to thereby constitutea predetermined winning combination (i.e., “O” shown in FIG. 7).However, the symbols 4 provided on the outer peripheral faces 2 of thereels 1 a through 1 c are not aligned with the winning line 89 and failto constitute a predetermined winning combination.

[0147] In this case, as a matter of course, tokens for payoff are paidto the player P of the station 34 b. The symbol 4 x (“O” shown in FIG.7) located at a point on the reel 1 c where an overlap exists betweenthe winning lines 89 and 90 is taken as a shared symbol and is set inthe ROM 22 beforehand. In step 5 shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 25 comparesinformation about the symbols set in the RAM 21 with the shared symbol 4x set in the ROM 22, to thereby determine occurrence of a matchtherebetween. A certain amount of tokens for payoff are also paid to theplayer P of the station 34 a.

[0148] As a result, the player observes a winning line which has beenmade effective by another adjacent player and considers setting of awinning line in consideration of the shared symbol corresponding to thewinning line. Players become able to enjoy playing games according to astrategy.

[0149] In the above descriptions, a plurality of reels are provided, anddisplay faces of the reels are arranged so as to oppose a plurality ofplayers. Further, the reels are arranged along a curve or a straightline. In addition, shared reels are also provided. As a result, theplayer P shares a game space with adjacent players P. Thus, anentertainment feature of sharing games is realized.

[0150] Realization of shared winning lines can be made possible withoutuse of the previously-stated shared reels.

[0151] A third embodiment in which winning lines are shared without useof shared reels will be described hereinbelow by reference to FIGS. 8Aand 8B.

[0152] In this embodiment, a total of 24 reels are provided, as in thecase of the previous embodiment. Display faces of the reels 1 a through1 x are arranged so as to oppose a plurality of players and are arrangedalong a curve or straight line.

[0153] In this embodiment, reels provided for the respective stations 34a through 34 h are not provided with reels to be shared between adjacentstations. Therefore, a total of eight stations are provided.

[0154] With a view toward describing a relationship between reels andwinning lines, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the reels 1 a through 1 x tobe provided for the station 34 a and the stations 34 b and 34 h providedon the respective sides thereof. More specifically, a total of ninereels are illustrated; that is, the reels 1 f, 1 e, 1 d, . . . 1 x, 1 w,and 1 v, when viewed from left to right.

[0155]FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings showing, in an easily understandablemanner for the sake of convenience, independent winning lines andwinning lines to be shared.

[0156]FIG. 8A illustrates only independent winning lines. FIG. 8Billustrates only winning lines to be shared. These drawings are preparedseparately for the sake of convenience of comprehension. Independentwinning lines and winning lines to be shared are not separate from eachother but are combined together in the game machine.

[0157] As mentioned above, FIG. 8A shows independent winning lines. Inthe third embodiment, five independent winning lines are set for each ofthe stations. More specifically, an explanation is given of the station34 a, and three horizontally-extending winning lines 80 a, 80 b, and 80c and the obliquely-extending winning lines 80 d and 80 e constitutefive independent winning lines.

[0158] The player P makes effective one or more arbitrary winning linesfrom among the winning lines 80 a through 80 e, by betting credits onthe winning line through pressing of the button switch 7 a. Moreover,the player P can set an arbitrary number of credits on the winningline(s) thus made effective, by pressing the button switch 7 a.

[0159] In the third embodiment, the player P can bet credits on a sharedwinning line other than an independent winning line.

[0160]FIG. 8B shows shared winning lines in the manner mentioned above.In the third embodiment, five shared winning lines are set betweenadjacent stations 34.

[0161] Shared winning lines will be described by reference to the sharedwinning lines 80 f through 80 j set between the stations 34 a and 34 b.

[0162]FIG. 8B illustrates shared winning lines 80 f through 80 jexisting between the stations 34 a and 34 b. The shared winning lines 80f, 80 g, and 80 h are horizontally-extending straight lines. Morespecifically, the shared winning line 80 f interconnects upper symbols 4from among symbols 4 drawn on the four reels 1 e, 1 d, 1 c, and 1 b, inthe form of a horizontally-extending straight, continuous line. Theshared winning line 80 g interconnects middle symbols 4 from amongsymbols 4 drawn on the four reels 1 e, 1 d, 1 c, and 1 b, in the form ofa horizontally-extending straight, continuous line. Further, the sharedwinning line 80 h interconnects lower symbols 4 from among symbols 4drawn on the four reels 1 e, 1 d, 1 c, and 1 b, in the form of ahorizontally-extending straight, continuous line.

[0163] The shared winning lines 80 i, 80 j are horizontally-orientedlines, as in the case of the shared winning lines 80 f through 80 j.However, portions of the shared winning lines 80 i, 80 j are bent. Morespecifically, the shared winning line 80 i is a winning line thatinterconnects the upper symbol 4 provided on the reel 1 e, the middlesymbols 4 provided on the reels 1 d, 1 c, and the upper symbol providedon the reel 1 b. Moreover, the shared winning line 80 i is a winningline for interconnecting the lower symbol 4 provided on the reel 1 e,the middle symbols 4 provided on the reels 1 d, 1 c, and the lowersymbol 4 provided on the reel 1 b.

[0164] The player P of the station 34 a and the player P of the station34 b can bet credits on the shared winning lines 80 f through 80 j. Morespecifically, the player P of the station 34 a and the player P of thestation 34 b can also make effective one or more arbitrary winning linesof the winning lines 80 f through 80 j, by pressing the button switch 7a. Similarly, the player P can bet an arbitrary number of credits on thewinning line(s) having been made effective, by pressing the buttonswitch 7 a.

[0165] For instance, the players P of the stations 34 a and 34 b areassumed to make the shared winning line 80 f effective by bettingcredits on the line through pressing of the button switch 7 a. Then, setin the RAM 21 are data representing that the players P of the stations34 a and 34 b have bet credits on the shared winning line 80 f.

[0166] When the moving display of the symbols 4 is stopped, the symbols4 provided on the outer peripheral faces 2 of the reels 1 b through 1 eare aligned with the shared winning line 80 f, thereby constituting apredetermined winning combination of symbols. The CPU 25 compares thesymbol information set in the RAM 21 with a combination of symbols 4which determines a win set in the ROM 22, thereby determining that apredetermined winning combination of symbols has been constituted alongthe winning line 80 f (step 5 shown in FIG. 4). As a result, tokens forpayout are paid from the token payout ports 8 of the respective stations34 a, 34 b. Consequently, adjacent players can share the pleasure of awin.

[0167] In the embodiment, three symbols 4 attached to the outerperipheral faces 2 of the respective reels 1 a through 1 x are displayedwithin the display window 3. However, the number of symbols to bedisplayed is not limited to three; a desired number of symbols may bedisplayed. The player P can easily view processes during which a winningcombination of symbols is constituted, by displaying a larger number ofsymbols 4 within the display window 3, thereby affording the player p anexpectation for determination of a win or tension.

[0168] In the embodiment, the reels 1 a through 1 x are arranged in acircular pattern. However, the shape of the reels is not limited to acircular pattern. In the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality ofreels 1′ . . . may be arranged along a curve L2 or a straight line L1.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 10, according to the invention, a plurality ofreels 1″ . . . may be arranged along a substantially-closed curved lineW′ consisting of straight lines and curves.

[0170] In the embodiment, the reels 1 a through 1 x are used. However,belts may also be employed. Use of belts enables a reduction in thedepth of the reels 1 a through 1 x. Hence, belts larger in number thanthe reels 1 a through 1 x may be arranged. Further, the belts havesmaller inertial masses, and hence the braking characteristic of thedisplay is improved accordingly.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 11, in the embodiment, 24 reels 1 a′ through 1x′ may also be provided below and in parallel with the reels 1 a through1 x. Specifically, according to the invention, a plurality of reels maybe vertically provided in two or more layers. As a result, complicatedcombinations of symbols 4 are achieved, thereby improving theentertainment nature of games to a much greater extent.

[0172] The embodiments have described on the assumption that the reels 1a through 1 x have mechanical constructions. However, the reels are notlimited to the mechanical construction. There can also be included dummyreels which are constituted by displaying symbols made ofcomputer-graphic (CG) images on an image display device, such as thoselisted below.

[0173] Examples of the image display device can include, e.g., aliquid-crystal display, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), and a display device,such as a DLP (digital light processing) projector using an imagedisplay element DMD (digital mirror device). Symbols based on CG imagesare cyclically displayed in a vertical direction on the image displaydevice, thereby constructing the dummy reels on the image displaydevice.

[0174] In the embodiment, the reels 1 a through 1 x are spun,respectively, thereby displaying the symbols 4 in a manner sequentiallymoving vertically. However, the symbols 4 may also be displayed so as tomove in oblique direction.

[0175] For instance, in a case where liquid-crystal displays 201 through221 shown in FIG. 12 are used in place of reels, symbol images 4′appearing on the display screen 2′ of the liquid-crystal displays 201through 221 are displayed so as to sequentially move in the directionsof arrows shown in FIG. 12.

[0176] When the symbol images 4′ are displayed so as to movesequentially in oblique direction, players can view the symbol images 4′as if displayed helically. Hence, an attraction of visual games can beafforded to a player.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game machine comprising; a plurality ofdisplays, each displaying at least one reel bearing series of symbols,and wherein the displays are arranged along a closed circuit so thatdisplay faces are opposed to a plurality of players.
 2. The game machineas set forth in claim 1, further comprising a number of series symbolcombination selector, which changes a number of reels on the gamemachine in accordance with a player's operation.
 3. A game machinecomprising; a first display, which displays at least one reel bearingseries of symbols; and a second display, which displays at least onereel bearing series of symbols, and wherein the first display is alsoprovided as a shared display for using together with the second display.4. The game machine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the reel in theshared display bears series same symbols; and wherein a winning lineextends along the reel in the shared display.
 5. The game machine as setforth in claim 3, wherein a winning line extends through from the reelin the first display as the shared display to the reel in the seconddisplay.
 6. The game machine as set forth in claim 3, wherein both afirst winning line for the first display and a second winning line forthe second display extend through a symbol on the shared display.
 7. Thegame machine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the first display and thesecond display are arranged along a closed circuit so that the displayfaces of the first display and the second display are opposed to aplurality of players.
 8. A game machine comprising; a plurality ofdisplay, each displaying at least one reel bearing series of symbols,and wherein the winning line extends through at least two of theplurality of displays.
 9. The game machine as set forth in claim 1,wherein at least two displays are provided in the game machine in avertical direction.
 10. The game machine as set forth in claim 3,wherein at least two set of displays same as a set of the first displayand the second display are provided in the game machine in a verticaldirection.
 11. The game machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein theseries of symbols in the displays move in an oblique direction.
 12. Thegame machine as set forth in claim 3, wherein the series of symbols inthe first and the second displays move in an oblique direction.